I'm trying to install a new dome light to the existing wiring that was used for the hard top light. I used a new connector and soldered all connections. Positive and negative wires are identified. When the headlight switch is turned to full left, initially the under dash light came on, but would not a second time. The new dome light did not turn on. I pulled the headlight switch and did not see a urging obvious. I then jumped the new light from the battery and that worked, so that side of things are okay. Fuses are good.
I have a less than working knowledge in using a multi-meter, but when I checked the original pos/neg wires, it showed over 12v.
I found the orange and black wires going toward the back of the fuse block, but do not know how to correctly check for power. I've read all I can find in this forum, but still stumped.
Thanks
Mike

lucdog

01-26-2013 09:16 PM

You do know the under dash lights are wired to have constant 12 volts positive. When you turn the headlight switch on, it completes the ground to the under dash lights. Unfortunately I don't know if the dome light is the same.

Quailguy

01-27-2013 07:29 AM

Yes, and it lit initially, but then quit. That one may be the bulb. I think what I'm asking is how to test if this is a power problem or ground problem.

Quailguy

01-27-2013 10:15 AM

Okay, I'm somewhat sure it's in the ground. When

Quailguy

01-27-2013 10:22 AM

Lets try this again. I connected the power to the dome light and ran a jumper to a good ground. The under dash lights lit, but not the dome light. I've read in this forum there is a fuse for the circuit that runs the courtesy lights. Anyone know where I can find and check it? Also, how is the headlight switch grounded? All other lights are working correctly. If I had hair, I'd be pulling it out about now.

lucdog

01-27-2013 10:23 AM

Whenever I hook my test light to ground I like to test the light on a known good source. This insures the light works and there is a good ground to it. If necessary run either a wire from the battery neg. or 12v+ to where your testing. Don't forget, the Test light can be clipped to 12 + and use the prob to ground. The cigar lighter can be used for this. Just take a old Accessory plug with a length of wire stripped back, (positive and negitave) .

Bill

lucdog

01-27-2013 02:33 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Ok Mike, here's the harness for the under dash lights. The square connector goes to headlight switch. The round bullet connector ( 12 volts positive ) gets plugged in to the mating female connector,so you want to check that ( female bullet) with the test light, also check for ground at the switch lug when the switch is fully Counterclockwise . I believe the switch is grounded thru the dash, but not certain. There aren't any other connections for the lights.
The black wire with the tracer in this harness is positive (1976)I have another harness where this wire is blue.(1985).
Any ?'s feel free to ask.

Thanks, my friend!! I've needed to track down the problem with my factory hardtop dome light for years.

All I know, so far, is I don't have power at the plug, near the rear of the tub, when the switch is on. The under dash light and all the dash lights work fine.

You've motivated me once again. :thumbsup:

Matt

Quailguy

01-27-2013 05:51 PM

I checked the female side of the bullet connector with a test light to a ground and it lit. I'm not sure how to check the lug on the switch for ground. The square connector shows 12v+ with a multimeter. I'll take another stab tomorrow. Thanks again.

John Strenk

01-28-2013 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quailguy
(Post 14863572)

I checked the female side of the bullet connector with a test light to a ground and it lit. I'm not sure how to check the lug on the switch for ground. The square connector shows 12v+ with a multimeter. I'll take another stab tomorrow. Thanks again.

That is what it should read when the terminal is not grounded. Confusing? Yes...

12 volts positive is going thru the bullet connector, and continues thru the bulb to the square connector. That's why if you put a ground to the square connector the bulb lights. If you took the bulb out, it would now show 0 voltage at the square connector. ( the path of electricity was broken by removing the bulb.)
This is correct, right John?
Bill

Matt1981CJ7

01-28-2013 05:23 AM

Hey John,

If the dimmer switch works for the dash lights and the under dash light, but not for the dome light. Where should I begin looking?

My apologies if this is a dumb question. I've been trying to learn more about electrical issues, but my brain just doesn't absorb it like other subjects.

Sorry for the short hijack, OP.

Matt

John Strenk

01-28-2013 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucdog
(Post 14865683)

Why your meter shows 12 volts at the square connector.

12 volts positive is going thru the bullet connector, and continues thru the bulb to the square connector. That's why if you put a ground to the square connector the bulb lights. If you took the bulb out, it would now show 0 voltage at the square connector. ( the path of electricity was broken by removing the bulb.)
This is correct, right John?
Bill

Right

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt1981CJ7
(Post 14865741)

Hey John,

If the dimmer switch works for the dash lights and the under dash light, but not for the dome light. Where should I begin looking?

My apologies if this is a dumb question. I've been trying to learn more about electrical issues, but my brain just doesn't absorb it like other subjects.

Sorry for the short hijack, OP.

Matt

Somehow, either the dome light is not getting power ot the grounds are not connected together.

Pull the dome light cover off and see if 12 volts is getting TO the light, then check the wiring back to ground.

Matt1981CJ7

01-28-2013 05:42 AM

I've checked for power at the dome light plug connector near the rear of the tub and there is none.